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Commentaries, 22 Vols
A classic commentary on the Old and New Testaments, complete and unabridged. Written in a clear, lucid style, it combines a profound reverence for the Bible with a rare objectivity in its exegesis.
22224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1958
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About the author
John Calvin
1,697 books540 followersFrench-Swiss theologian John Calvin broke with the Roman Catholic Church in 1533 and as Protestant set forth his tenets, known today, in
Institutes of the Christian Religion
(1536).
The religious doctrines of John Calvin emphasize the omnipotence of God, whose grace alone saves the elect.
* Jehan Cauvin
* Iohannes Calvinus (Latin)
* Jean Calvin (French)
Originally trained as a humanist lawyer around 1530, he went on to serve as a principal figure in the Reformation. He developed the system later called Calvinism.
After tensions provoked a violent uprising, Calvin fled to Basel and published the first edition of his seminal work. In that year of 1536, William Farel invited Calvin to help reform in Geneva. The city council resisted the implementation of ideas of Calvin and Farel and expelled both men. At the invitation of Martin Bucer, Calvin proceeded to Strasbourg as the minister of refugees. He continued to support the reform movement in Geneva, and people eventually invited him back to lead. Following return, he introduced new forms of government and liturgy. Following an influx of supportive refugees, new elections to the city council forced out opponents of Calvin. Calvin spent his final years, promoting the Reformation in Geneva and throughout Europe.
Calvin tirelessly wrote polemics and apologia. He also exchanged cordial and supportive letters with many reformers, including Philipp Melanchthon and Heinrich Bullinger. In addition, he wrote commentaries on most books of the Bible as well as treatises and confessional documents and regularly gave sermons throughout the week in Geneva. The Augustinian tradition influenced and led Calvin to expound the doctrine of predestination and the absolute sovereignty of God in salvation.
Calvin's writing and preaching provided the seeds for the branch of Protestantism that bears his name. His views live on chiefly in Presbyterian and Reformed denominations, which have spread throughout the world. Calvin's thought exerted considerable influence over major figures and entire movements, such as Puritanism, and some scholars argue that his ideas contributed to the rise of capitalism, individualism, and representative democracy in the west.
The religious doctrines of John Calvin emphasize the omnipotence of God, whose grace alone saves the elect.
* Jehan Cauvin
* Iohannes Calvinus (Latin)
* Jean Calvin (French)
Originally trained as a humanist lawyer around 1530, he went on to serve as a principal figure in the Reformation. He developed the system later called Calvinism.
After tensions provoked a violent uprising, Calvin fled to Basel and published the first edition of his seminal work. In that year of 1536, William Farel invited Calvin to help reform in Geneva. The city council resisted the implementation of ideas of Calvin and Farel and expelled both men. At the invitation of Martin Bucer, Calvin proceeded to Strasbourg as the minister of refugees. He continued to support the reform movement in Geneva, and people eventually invited him back to lead. Following return, he introduced new forms of government and liturgy. Following an influx of supportive refugees, new elections to the city council forced out opponents of Calvin. Calvin spent his final years, promoting the Reformation in Geneva and throughout Europe.
Calvin tirelessly wrote polemics and apologia. He also exchanged cordial and supportive letters with many reformers, including Philipp Melanchthon and Heinrich Bullinger. In addition, he wrote commentaries on most books of the Bible as well as treatises and confessional documents and regularly gave sermons throughout the week in Geneva. The Augustinian tradition influenced and led Calvin to expound the doctrine of predestination and the absolute sovereignty of God in salvation.
Calvin's writing and preaching provided the seeds for the branch of Protestantism that bears his name. His views live on chiefly in Presbyterian and Reformed denominations, which have spread throughout the world. Calvin's thought exerted considerable influence over major figures and entire movements, such as Puritanism, and some scholars argue that his ideas contributed to the rise of capitalism, individualism, and representative democracy in the west.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 12, 2009
After experiencing some church difficulties, I thought I needed to make sure that my theology was not the problem. So, being a Protestant, I looked to history for guidance and settled on Calvin because of his contributions to Protestantism. I took a couple of years and read Calvin's Commentaries as a personal devotion. I have never been the same and heartily recommend Calvin to all Christians.
Not only does reading Calvin provide an education in Christianity, but the quality of his language provides an education in literature.
Not only does reading Calvin provide an education in Christianity, but the quality of his language provides an education in literature.
November 5, 2009
Come read commentaries written by one of the greatest exegetes of the Reformation! His clarity, orthodoxy, and love for the Lord all make these a great addition to any library!
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August 22, 2012Reading as needed.
January 18, 2016
I don't know if it is fair to say that one has actually "read" Calvin's Commentaries (22 volumes!). However I think it safe to say that I have extensively referenced these commentaries - the crown jewel of commentaries - many times over the past 30 years. John Calvin's Biblical wisdom and sagacity are to be compared to none, in my humble opinion. The church of Christ has certainly been blessed by these works over the centuries.
November 27, 2008
My "go-to" commentary. I'm rarely disappointed when reading an entry, although sometimes the sections are hard to find--especially the volumes where multiple books are harmonized.
January 29, 2009
We are reading through the harmony of the evangelists at present. Very readable; very edifying.
May 6, 2010
The depth of his understanding of the Scriptures was phenomenal! I use this set regularly in my sermon preparation.
July 4, 2023
Read Dates:
Galatians: ~2006; April 2019
1 Timothy: October 2014
John: July 2023
Galatians: ~2006; April 2019
1 Timothy: October 2014
John: July 2023
September 13, 2016
Calvin is excellent. Really. A more thoughtful, careful, pastoral commentary cannot be found.
Currently reading
August 14, 2025Only used for studying 1 John. What a delight.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews